Check out pictures in the link below and we’ll see you at 9 am!

https://www.estatesales.net/TX/Grand-Prairie/75051/4739718?oldBundleReload=true

• Half empty bottles of cleaner

• Half empty bottles of shampoo, conditioner, body wash, etc

• Half empty bottles of perfume

• Trophies with other people’s names on them

• Other people’s yearbooks

• And the list goes on!

Everything has value as estate sales, don’t throw money away!

I just wrapped up a time-sensitive estate sale where the homeowner’s daughter discovered the house had a reverse mortgage. Because of the 12-month move-out deadline, everything had to be handled day by day — no room for delays. That experience reminded me how important it is to plan ahead.

How Much Notice Do You Need?

If you’re planning an estate sale, give yourself at least 30 days of notice. That means contacting estate sale companies a month before you want the sale to happen.

Why so much time?

• Homes over 2,000 sq. ft. or packed with belongings need the full month to liquidate.

• After the sale ends, it can take 3–5 days to clear out leftover items and remove tables, shelves, and displays.

• You’ll also need a cushion for cleaning, staging, and photography before the house hits the market.

Estate Sale First or Listing First?

It depends on your situation, but here’s my recommendation:

• If the home is still staged and presentable, take your listing photos before the estate sale begins.

• List the property as “Coming Soon” during the estate sale. This allows curious shoppers to learn about the house without disrupting the sale.

• Move to a full listing after the sale is complete.

This way, you avoid the chaos of showings while workers are preparing or running the estate sale — which is safer and less stressful for everyone.

The Timeline in a Nutshell

• Call estate sale companies at least 30 days ahead

• Allow 4 weeks total for prep, sale, and post-sale clean-out

• Build in a one- to two-week cushion before listing so your realtor can deep clean, stage, and photograph the home

Final Thoughts

Trying to coordinate an estate sale and a home sale can be overwhelming — but with the right planning, you’ll avoid stress and keep things moving smoothly.

If you’re in Grand Prairie or the surrounding areas and need guidance, I’d love to help. I offer both estate sales and real estate services, so you don’t have to juggle multiple companies.

📞 Call me at 214-558-4410 or request a free consultation through my website.

—
Tips & Tricks from Jenna at Jennarocity Estate Sales

• Estate sales are not garage sales — they involve an entire household, often representing decades of memories.

• Families often struggle more with letting go of belongings than with selling the house itself.

• Shoppers come for the thrill of the unexpected: uranium glass, lapel pins, National Geographics, and even a pink sewing machine with a ruffle foot.

• Preparation is key: don’t throw things away before consulting a professional—what looks like clutter may have real value.

• Pricing strategy matters: small items, when priced and staged well, often drive more revenue than furniture.

• Integrity and trust are essential: estate sale companies frequently uncover hidden valuables, sensitive paperwork, or family keepsakes.

• The real service is creating order out of chaos—helping families move forward while ensuring items find new homes.

This episode was filmed for Faces of Grand Prairie Media Group, a local digital newspaper for the city of Grand Prairie, TX.

1. Toiletries

Yes, you can sell shampoo, conditioner, lotion, face cream, mousse, and other bathroom items—even if they’re partially used. Just price according to how much is left in the bottle. These are practical items that sell quickly.

2. Cleaners

Don’t toss those half-empty bottles of Windex or Lysol! People buy cleaning supplies all the time, even partially used ones.

3. Medical Items

You can sell many items from the medicine cabinet:

• Band-Aids

• Rubbing alcohol

• Hydrogen peroxide

• Blood pressure monitors

Important exceptions: You cannot sell prescription medication, and expired over-the-counter medicine should be discarded.

4. Food

I don’t recommend selling food, though it can be done. Open or expired food should always be tossed, and sealed items are better donated to a food pantry. Alcohol can’t be sold without a TABC license, but it can be given away.

5. Firearms

In Texas, private person-to-person firearm sales are legal. Still, whenever possible, we go through a licensed firearms dealer. Firearms don’t come up often, but yes, they can be sold at estate sales.

💡 Bottom line: Almost everything sells at estate sales. Before you throw something out, ask an estate sale professional. What looks like “trash” to you may be exactly what a buyer is looking for.